System and method for extending path length of a wave signal using angle multiplexing

ABSTRACT

A system and method for extending the path length of an electromagnetic wave signal traveling between apertures is disclosed. One such system may comprise N arrays having M 1  through M N  apertures, respectively, wherein N≥2, M 1 ≥2, and each of M 2  through M N ≥1, a substantial number of the M 1  apertures in a first array is configured to send the electromagnetic wave signal to a substantial number of the M 2  apertures in a second array through the M N  apertures in a N-th array, the substantial number of the M 2  apertures in the second array through the M N  apertures in the N-th array receiving the electromagnetic wave signal from the substantial number of the M 1  apertures in the first array is configured to redirect the received electromagnetic wave signal back to the substantial number of the M 1  apertures in the first array, and the substantial number of the M 1  apertures in the first array is further configured to send the electromagnetic wave signal to another one of the M 1  apertures in the first array after receiving the redirected electromagnetic wave signal from a M N -th aperture in the N-th array.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/536,358, filed Aug. 9, 2019 entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXTENDINGPATHLENGTH OF A WAVE SIGNAL USING ANGLE MULTIPLEXING which claims thebenefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/717,107, filed Aug. 10, 2018, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for extending thepath length of a wave signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The expansion of data centers, broadband communications andcomputationally intensive signal processing is driving the demand forhigh capacity data storage that consumes less power. Modern data centersalso often require a rapid access to the same data stored on a samecommon drive to perform, for example, high performance computing (HPC).In addition, there is an increasing interest among many actors withinthe information technology (IT) storage industry (e.g., end customers,data centers, in-system programmers (ISP), in-circuit programmers (ICP),etc.) in being able to erase sensitive data (e.g., government data,military data) definitively and completely in an immediate manner.

Currently, solid state drives (SSDs), such as non-volatile NAND flashmemory-based drives, and hard disk drives (HDDs) are examples of storagedevices used to store data in data centers. Conventional data centersbased on those solid state-based storage devices have a variety ofdrawbacks. For example, data storage using those conventional storagedevices consumes a large amount of power and requires expensivemaintenance. In addition, data storage involving many of thoseconventional storage devices generates a large amount of heat,necessitating cooling systems, which in turn require additional cost andenergy consumption. Moreover, the throughput at which data can be readfrom or written to those conventional electromagnetic wave storagedevices is limited by the speed of electronics to, for example, a fewGb/s. Additionally, when data is erased from a conventional non-volatilesolid-state memory, an imprint of the erased data typically remains andwith proper skills and technology, one could recover the erased data.Furthermore, to scale up the data center using those conventionalstorage devices, it is necessary to either buy more of the storagedevices or replace the current storage devices with better-performingones. Accordingly, constructing and upgrading data centers using theconventional storage devices is a costly and time-consuming process.

There is, therefore, a need for a data storage apparatus and method thatovercomes one or more of the above and other deficiencies of datastorage using the conventional storage devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has been shown that an alternative data storage approach is to storedata in motion in a data storage loop.

It has now been found that the above and related objects of the presentinvention are obtained in the form of several related aspects, includinga system and method for extending the path length of a wave signal usingangle multiplexing.

More particularly, the present invention relates to a system forextending a path length of an electromagnetic wave signal, the systemcomprising N arrays having M₁ through M_(N) apertures, respectively,wherein N≥2, M₁≥2, and each of M₂ through M_(N)≥1, a substantial numberof the M₁ apertures in a first array is configured to send theelectromagnetic wave signal to a substantial number of the M₂ aperturesin a second array through the M_(N) apertures in a N-th array, thesubstantial number of the M₂ apertures in the second array through theM_(N) apertures in the N-th array receiving the electromagnetic wavesignal from the substantial number of the M₁ apertures in the firstarray is configured to redirect the received electromagnetic wave signalback to the substantial number of the M₁ apertures in the first array,and the substantial number of the M₁ apertures in the first array isfurther configured to send the electromagnetic wave signal to anotherone of the M₁ apertures in the first array after receiving theredirected electromagnetic wave signal from a M_(N)-th aperture in theN-th array.

In at least one embodiment, the another one of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array is adjacent to the M₁ aperture in the first array thatreceives the redirected electromagnetic wave signal from a M_(N)-thaperture in the N-th array.

In at least one embodiment, the substantial number of the M1 aperturesin the first array includes each one of the M₁ apertures. In at leastone embodiment, the substantial number of the M₂ apertures in the secondarray through the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array includes each one ofthe M₂ apertures in the second array through the M_(N) apertures in theN-th array.

In at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal has a singlewavelength.

In at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal comprises aplurality of signals each having a different wavelength in amulti-wavelength system.

In at least one embodiment, the system further comprises a dispersioncompensation device configured to direct substantially all of theplurality of signals from one aperture to another aperture.

In at least one embodiment, the dispersion compensation device comprisesa multi-wavelength beam directing device using an achromatic Fouriertransform lens.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array comprisevolume holographic gratings, corner cube retroreflectors, diffractiongratings, mirrors, partial regenerators, or full regenerators.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in at least one of the secondarray through the N-th array comprise volume holographic gratings,corner cube retroreflectors, diffraction gratings, mirrors, partialregenerators, or full regenerators.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array are locatedin one or more sets of one or more satellites, and the apertures in atleast one of the second array through the N-th array are located in oneor more sets of one or more satellites.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array through theN-th array are located within a substantially sealed cavity.

The present invention also relates to a system for extending a pathlength of an electromagnetic wave signal, the system comprising N arrayshaving M₁ through M_(N) apertures, respectively, wherein N≥2, M₁≥2, andeach of M₂ through M_(N)≥1, a substantial number of the M₁ apertures ina first array is configured to send the electromagnetic wave signal to asubstantial number of the M₂ apertures in a second array through theM_(N) apertures in a N-th array, the substantial number of a firstaperture in the second array through a (M_(N)−1)-th aperture in the N-tharray, if M_(N)≥2, and through a M_(N-1)-th aperture in the (N−1)-tharray, if M_(N)=1, receiving the electromagnetic wave signal from thesubstantial number of the M₁ apertures in the first array is configuredto redirect the received electromagnetic wave signal back to thesubstantial number of the M₁ apertures in the first array, and aM_(N)-th aperture in the N-th array is configured to send theelectromagnetic wave signal to another one of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array after receiving the electromagnetic wave signal from thesubstantial number of the M₁ apertures in the first array.

In at least one embodiment, the another one of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array is adjacent to the substantial number of the M₁ apertures inthe first array.

In at least one embodiment, the substantial number of the M₁ aperturesin the first array includes each one of the M₁ apertures. In at leastone embodiment, the substantial number of the M₂ apertures in the secondarray through the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array includes each one ofthe M₂ apertures in the second array through the M_(N) apertures in theN-th array.

In at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal has a singlewavelength.

In at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal comprises aplurality of signals each having a different wavelength in amulti-wavelength system.

In at least one embodiment, the system further comprises a dispersioncompensation device configured to direct substantially all of theplurality of signals from one aperture to another aperture.

In at least one embodiment, the dispersion compensation device comprisesa multi-wavelength beam directing device using an achromatic Fouriertransform lens.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array comprisevolume holographic gratings, corner cube retroreflectors, diffractiongratings, mirrors, partial regenerators, or full regenerators.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in at least one of the secondarray through the N-th array comprise volume holographic gratings,corner cube retroreflectors, diffraction gratings, mirrors, partialregenerators, or full regenerators.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array are locatedin one or more sets of one or more satellites, and the apertures in atleast one of the second array through the N-th array are located in oneor more sets of one or more satellites.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array through theN-th array are located within a substantially sealed cavity.

The present invention further relates to a system for extending a pathlength of an electromagnetic wave signal, the system comprising N arrayshaving M₁ through M_(N) apertures, respectively, wherein N≥2, M₁≥2, andeach of M₂ through M_(N)≥1, a first aperture in the second array isconfigured to send the electromagnetic wave signal to a first aperturein the first array, a substantial number of the M₁ apertures in a firstarray is configured to send the electromagnetic wave signal to asubstantial number of the M₂ apertures in a second array through theM_(N) apertures in a N-th array, except that the first aperture in thefirst array is configured not to send the electromagnetic wave signal tothe first aperture in the second array, the substantial number of afirst aperture in the second array through a (M_(N)−1)-th aperture inthe N-th array, if M_(N)≥2, and through a M_(N-1)-th aperture in the(N−1)-th array, if M_(N)=1, receiving the electromagnetic wave signalfrom the substantial number of the M₁ apertures in the first array isconfigured to redirect the received electromagnetic wave signal back tothe substantial number of the M₁ apertures in the first array, and aM_(N)-th aperture in the N-th array is configured to send theelectromagnetic wave signal to another one of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array after receiving the electromagnetic wave signal from thesubstantial number of the M₁ apertures in the first array.

In at least one embodiment, the another one of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array is adjacent to the substantial number of the M₁ apertures inthe first array.

In at least one embodiment, the substantial number of the M₁ aperturesin the first array includes each one of the M₁ apertures. In at leastone embodiment, the substantial number of the M₂ apertures in the secondarray through the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array includes each one ofthe M₂ apertures in the second array through the M_(N) apertures in theN-th array.

In at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal has a singlewavelength.

In at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal comprises aplurality of signals each having a different wavelength in amulti-wavelength system.

In at least one embodiment, the system further comprises a dispersioncompensation device configured to direct substantially all of theplurality of signals from one aperture to another aperture.

In at least one embodiment, the dispersion compensation device comprisesa multi-wavelength beam directing device using an achromatic Fouriertransform lens.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array comprisevolume holographic gratings, corner cube retroreflectors, diffractiongratings, mirrors, partial regenerators, or full regenerators.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in at least one of the secondarray through the N-th array comprise volume holographic gratings,corner cube retroreflectors, diffraction gratings, mirrors, partialregenerators, or full regenerators.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array are locatedin one or more sets of one or more satellites, and the apertures in atleast one of the second array through the N-th array are located in oneor more sets of one or more satellites.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array through theN-th array are located within a substantially sealed cavity.

In addition, the present invention also relates to a method forextending a path length of an electromagnetic wave signal traversingbetween N arrays having M₁ through M_(N) apertures, respectively,wherein N≥2, M₁≥2, and each of M₂ through M_(N)≥1, the method comprisingsending, by a substantial number of the M₁ apertures in a first array,the electromagnetic wave signal to a substantial number of the M₂apertures in a second array through the M_(N) apertures in a N-th array,receiving, by the substantial number of the M₂ apertures in the secondarray through the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array, the electromagneticwave signal from the substantial number of the M₁ apertures in the firstarray, redirecting, by the substantial number of the M₂ apertures in thesecond array through the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array, the receivedelectromagnetic wave signal back to the substantial number of the M₁apertures in the first array, and after receiving, by the substantialnumber of the M₁ apertures in the first array, the redirectedelectromagnetic wave signal from a M_(N)-th aperture in the N-th array,sending, by the substantial number of the M₁ apertures in the firstarray, the electromagnetic wave signal to another one of the M₁apertures in the first array.

In at least one embodiment, the another one of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array is adjacent to the M₁ aperture in the first array thatreceives the redirected electromagnetic wave signal from a M_(N)-thaperture in the N-th array.

In at least one embodiment, the substantial number of the M₁ aperturesin the first array includes each one of the M₁ apertures. In at leastone embodiment, the substantial number of the M₂ apertures in the secondarray through the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array includes each one ofthe M₂ apertures in the second array through the M_(N) apertures in theN-th array.

In at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal has a singlewavelength.

In at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal comprises aplurality of signals each having a different wavelength in amulti-wavelength system.

In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises directing, byusing a dispersion compensation device, substantially all of theplurality of signals from one aperture to another aperture.

In at least one embodiment, the dispersion compensation device comprisesa multi-wavelength beam directing device using an achromatic Fouriertransform lens.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array comprisevolume holographic gratings, corner cube retroreflectors, diffractiongratings, mirrors, partial regenerators, or full regenerators.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in at least one of the secondarray through the N-th array comprise volume holographic gratings,corner cube retroreflectors, diffraction gratings, mirrors, partialregenerators, or full regenerators.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array are locatedin one or more sets of one or more satellites, and the apertures in atleast one of the second array through the N-th array are located in oneor more sets of one or more satellites.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array through theN-th array are located within a substantially sealed cavity.

The present invention further relates to a method for extending a pathlength of an electromagnetic wave signal traversing between N arrayshaving M₁ through M_(N) apertures, respectively, wherein N≥2, M₁≥2, andeach of M₂ through M_(N)≥1, the method comprising sending, by asubstantial number of the M₁ apertures in a first array, theelectromagnetic wave signal to a substantial number of the M₂ aperturesin a second array through the M_(N) apertures in a N-th array,receiving, by the substantial number of a first aperture in the secondarray through a (M_(N)−1)-th aperture in the N-th array, if M_(N)≥2, andthrough a M_(N-1)-th aperture in the (N−1)-th array, if M_(N)=1, theelectromagnetic wave signal from the substantial number of the M₁apertures in the first array, redirecting, by the substantial number ofthe first aperture in the second array through the (M_(N)−1)-th aperturein the N-th array, if M_(N)≥2, and through the M_(N-1)-th aperture inthe (N−1)-th array, if M_(N)=1, the received electromagnetic wave signalback to the substantial number of the M₁ apertures in the first array,and after receiving, by a M_(N)-th aperture in the N-th array, theelectromagnetic wave signal from the substantial number of the M₁apertures in the first array, sending, by the M_(N)-th aperture in theN-th array, the electromagnetic wave signal to another one of the M₁apertures in the first array.

In at least one embodiment, the another one of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array is adjacent to the substantial number of the M₁ apertures inthe first array.

In at least one embodiment, the substantial number of the M₁ aperturesin the first array includes each one of the M₁ apertures. In at leastone embodiment, the substantial number of the M₂ apertures in the secondarray through the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array includes each one ofthe M₂ apertures in the second array through the M_(N) apertures in theN-th array.

In at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal has a singlewavelength.

In at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal comprises aplurality of signals each having a different wavelength in amulti-wavelength system.

In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises directing, byusing a dispersion compensation device, substantially all of theplurality of signals from one aperture to another aperture.

In at least one embodiment, the dispersion compensation device comprisesa multi-wavelength beam directing device using an achromatic Fouriertransform lens.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array comprisevolume holographic gratings, corner cube retroreflectors, diffractiongratings, mirrors, partial regenerators, or full regenerators.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in at least one of the secondarray through the N-th array comprise volume holographic gratings,corner cube retroreflectors, diffraction gratings, mirrors, partialregenerators, or full regenerators.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array are locatedin one or more sets of one or more satellites, and the apertures in atleast one of the second array through the N-th array are located in oneor more sets of one or more satellites.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array through theN-th array are located within a substantially sealed cavity.

Additionally, the present invention relates to a method for extending apath length of an electromagnetic wave signal traversing between Narrays having M₁ through M_(N) apertures, respectively, wherein N≥2,M₁≥2, and each of M₂ through M_(N)≥1, the method comprising sending, bya first aperture in the second array, the electromagnetic wave signal toa first aperture in the first array, sending, by a substantial number ofthe M₁ apertures in a first array, the electromagnetic wave signal to asubstantial number of the M₂ apertures in a second array through theM_(N) apertures in a N-th array, except that the first aperture in thefirst array does not send the electromagnetic wave signal to the firstaperture in the second array, receiving, by the substantial number of afirst aperture in the second array through a (M_(N)−1)-th aperture inthe N-th array, if M_(N)≥2, and through a M_(N-1)-th aperture in the(N−1)-th array, if M_(N)=1, the electromagnetic wave signal from thesubstantial number of the M₁ apertures in the first array, except thatthe first aperture in the second array does not receive theelectromagnetic wave signal from the first aperture in the first array,redirecting, by the substantial number of the first aperture in thesecond array through the (M_(N)−1)-th aperture in the N-th array, ifM_(N)≥2, and through a M_(N-1)-th aperture in the (N−1)-th array, ifM_(N)=1, the received electromagnetic wave signal back to thesubstantial number of the M₁ apertures in the first array, and afterreceiving, by a M_(N)-th aperture in the N-th array, the electromagneticwave signal from the substantial number of the M₁ apertures in the firstarray, sending, by the M_(N)-th aperture in the N-th array, theelectromagnetic wave signal to another one of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array.

In at least one embodiment, the another one of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array is adjacent to the substantial number of the M₁ apertures inthe first array.

In at least one embodiment, the substantial number of the M₁ aperturesin the first array includes each one of the M₁ apertures. In at leastone embodiment, the substantial number of the M₂ apertures in the secondarray through the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array includes each one ofthe M₂ apertures in the second array through the M_(N) apertures in theN-th array.

In at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal has a singlewavelength.

In at least one embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal comprises aplurality of signals each having a different wavelength in amulti-wavelength system.

In at least one embodiment, the method further comprises directing, byusing a dispersion compensation device, substantially all of theplurality of signals from one aperture to another aperture.

In at least one embodiment, the dispersion compensation device comprisesa multi-wavelength beam directing device using an achromatic Fouriertransform lens.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array comprisevolume holographic gratings, corner cube retroreflectors, diffractiongratings, mirrors, partial regenerators, or full regenerators.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in at least one of the secondarray through the N-th array comprise volume holographic gratings,corner cube retroreflectors, diffraction gratings, mirrors, partialregenerators, or full regenerators.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array are locatedin one or more sets of one or more satellites, and the apertures in atleast one of the second array through the N-th array are located in oneor more sets of one or more satellites.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures in the first array through theN-th array are located within a substantially sealed cavity.

In at least one embodiment, the apertures may be located in outer space,in free space, either in the atmosphere or in partial or intense vacuum.

Although specific features, capabilities and advantages have beenenumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all ofthe enumerated features, capabilities and advantages. These and othertechnical features, capabilities and advantages of the disclosed subjectmatter, along with the invention itself, will be more fully understoodafter a review of the following figures, detailed descriptions andclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described withreferences to the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of partial implementation of anglemultiplexing in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of partial implementation of anglemultiplexing in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of partial implementation of anglemultiplexing in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of partial implementation of anglemultiplexing for multi-wavelength electromagnetic wave signals inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Information or any kind of data can be stored as electromagnetic waves(e.g., generated by lasers, optical beam, radio frequency (RF) signals,other types of electromagnetic wave signals, to name a few), which canbe transmitted and/or reflected between structures or within structuresin various transmission media (e.g., free space, vacuum, crystals,nonlinear media, optical waveguides, optical fibers, to name a few). Theterms “electromagnetic wave signal” and “electromagnetic wave beam” areused herein interchangeably. Electromagnetic radiation orelectromagnetic beam as used herein may include any kind ofelectromagnetic signal, including a laser beam or signal, a maser beamor signal, an optical beam or signal, or any type of wired or wirelesssignal, including acoustic waves, radio waves, IR radiation, UVradiation, microwave-band transmission, or any combination of more thanone of the foregoing. While referred to herein sometimes simply as alaser beam or signal, other types of optical signals and other types ofelectromagnetic radiation transmissions, including radio waves,microwaves, IR, UV and combinations of bandwidths of wavelengths ofelectromagnetic radiation, whether guided, shaped, phased, or none ofthe foregoing, are also intended to be included.

A recirculating loop may be used to store “data in motion” by keepingelectromagnetic wave signals, which may carry data, in a continuousmotion, transmitted and/or reflected between or within structures andregenerated (e.g., by signal amplification or regeneration) as needed.The recirculating loop may be formed by, for example, satellites orother vessels that reflect or otherwise retransmit the data in freespace. The recirculating loop may comprise a waveguide, such as anoptical fiber. Various systems and methods of storing data in motion ina recirculating loop are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/465,356, which has been published as US 2017/0280211 A1 and isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In embodiments, systems for storing electromagnetic wave signals in arecirculating loop may be configured to extinguish or “turn off” theelectromagnetic wave signals stored therein. When the electromagneticwave signals are extinguished, data stored therein is definitively andinstantly lost and cannot be recovered, unlike the data erased from asolid-state memory.

To increase the data storage time and capacity for such systems,electromagnetic wave signals need to be held or “delayed” in arecirculating loop as long as possible. There may be other applicationsfor the delay of electromagnetic signals, such as the ability to use ashorter coherence length master oscillator in a long range lidar orradar.

The electromagnetic wave signal path length is a distance traveled by anelectromagnetic wave signal in a recirculating loop, and theelectromagnetic wave signal storage time is the electromagnetic wavesignal path length divided by the speed of light, or electromagneticwave signal, within a medium or vacuum. By extending the electromagneticwave signal path length and thereby increasing the electromagnetic wavesignal storage time, one can store a greater amount of data in motionwithout requiring a higher data rate.

Disclosed are systems and methods for extending the path length of anelectromagnetic wave signal by using a space division multiplexingtechnique called “angle multiplexing.” As used herein, the term “anglemultiplexing” refers to a technique for extending the electromagneticwave signal path length by increasing (e.g., multiplying) the numberand/or lengths of paths between apertures, or between sets of apertures,that an electromagnetic wave signal uses to travel a recirculation loop(e.g., traversing the recirculation loop only in part, a single time, ormultiple times). For example, the angle multiplexing technique canextend the electromagnetic wave signal path length by creating anelectromagnetic wave signal path that goes from a first aperture in afirst set of apertures to and from every aperture, or a large number ofapertures, in a second set of apertures, and then from a second aperturein the first set of apertures to and from every aperture, or a largenumber of apertures, in the second set of apertures, and so on. Sincethe electromagnetic wave signal traverses back and forth across the sameregion many times, the electromagnetic wave signal path length can beextended within a given space.

The order of travel of the electromagnetic wave signal from oneaperture, or aperture array, to another aperture, or aperture array, canbe flexible, as may be chosen by the designer of that particularembodiment. Furthermore, the number of apertures can be flexible, as maybe chosen by the designer of that particular embodiment. In embodiments,all available apertures in participating arrays may be used. Inalternative embodiments, a substantial number of the available aperturesmay be used.

As used herein, the term “aperture” refers to anyoptical/photonic/electromagnetic (including, as defined herein,acoustic) element or device configured to receive, send, reflect,redirect and/or re-transmit an electromagnetic wave signal. Examples ofapertures include, but are not limited to, mirrors, gratings, such asdiffraction gratings or volume holographic gratings, corner cuberetroreflectors, photonic crystal structure, optical devices comprisinggradient index materials, partial regenerators, full regenerators andany appropriate combinations thereof, to name a few. The term “a set ofapertures” refers to a discrete set of apertures (e.g., an arbitrarynumber of arrays each having an arbitrary number of apertures), or alimited number of apertures that may be long in one direction, withportions of the long aperture acting as independent apertures. Forexample, in FIG. 4, each of the top and bottom set of elements 401, 402illustrates a single, long aperture. Thus, in embodiments, a number ofdiscrete apertures can function as a single aperture, and aperturearrays may be subdivided into multiple subapertures.

For example, in a system having two arrays of apertures facing eachother, the electromagnetic wave signal path length can be extended by anelectromagnetic wave signal traveling over all possible paths, or over asubstantial number of possible paths, between each of the apertures inthe first array and each of the apertures in the second array. Inembodiments, this can be generalized for a system having an arbitrarynumber of arrays each having an arbitrary number of apertures.

The angle multiplexing technique can significantly extend theelectromagnetic wave signal path length among multiple apertures,resulting in a longer distance the electromagnetic wave signal travels,and hence a longer electromagnetic wave signal storage time in arecirculating loop. At a given data rate, such an increase in theelectromagnetic wave signal storage time can increase the amount of datain motion that can be stored by the recirculation loop.

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-3, there areprovided schematic diagrams illustrating partial implementation of anglemultiplexing between multiple apertures in accordance with exemplaryembodiments. While each of these drawing figures shows three arrays eachcomprising three, four, or five apertures, the number of arrays and thenumber of apertures in each array are not restricted by the presentinvention. Furthermore, while FIGS. 1-3 show using all of the availablepaths between available apertures, a given implementation may use only asubstantial number of the available paths. The angle multiplexingtechnique may be applied to a system having any number of arrays, suchas two or more arrays, and any number of apertures, such as one or moreapertures, in each array, provided that an electromagnetic wave signalcan travel between the arrays and apertures. The angle multiplexingtechnique may also be applied to a system having any kinds of physicalor geometrical arrangements of arrays and apertures (e.g., linear,circular, planar, or random arrangement of apertures, to name a few). Inaddition, the position of each array relative to each of the otherarrays can be flexible and is not restricted by the present invention aslong as an electromagnetic wave signal can travel between the arrays.Furthermore, the position of each aperture in one array relative to eachof the other apertures within the same array can be flexible and is notrestricted by the present invention as long as an electromagnetic wavesignal can travel between the apertures. Likewise, the position of eachaperture in one array relative to each of apertures in the other arraysmay be flexible and is not restricted by the present invention as longas an electromagnetic wave signal can travel between the apertures. Forexample, angle multiplexing may be implemented over distances rangingfrom as little as one meter or less to 100,000 km or greater. In anotherexample, a 60-meter-long array of apertures may be used on each of twosides of a storage system to implement angle multiplexing. Inembodiments, an electromagnetic wave signal may travel between aperturesvia a waveguide or optical fiber. In embodiments utilizing satellites,an array may refer to apertures on multiple satellites, with only asingle aperture, or more than one aperture, in the array being on agiven satellite. Accordingly, the schematic diagrams in FIGS. 1-3 do notnecessarily reflect the actual physical arrangements of arrays and theapertures within each array and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

The angle multiplexing technique may be applied to arrays of aperturesplaced at any location as long as an electromagnetic wave signal cantravel between the apertures. For example, apertures in one or morearrays may be located in one or more sets of one or more satellites inouter space and apertures in at least one of the other arrays may belocated in one or more sets of one or more satellites in outer space. Inembodiments, the apertures may be located in outer space, in free space,and may be located in the atmosphere, in a partial vacuum, or in anintense vacuum.

In another example, arrays of apertures may be located within apartially open or substantially sealed cavity of any size or shape. Asused herein, the term “cavity” refers to any structure that includes atleast one partially or fully enclosed space (e.g., partly open or fullysealed enclosure) of any size or shape where an electromagnetic wavesignal can travel. The enclosed space within a cavity may be hollow, andsuch a hollow space in a near vacuum condition has an index ofrefraction of approximately one, which allows electromagnetic wavesignals to travel at near the speed of light in vacuum. Alternatively,the enclosed space within a cavity may be filled with a material (e.g.,solid, crystal, amorphous material, liquid, etc.) having an index ofrefraction greater than one, where electromagnetic wave signals travelmore slowly than in vacuum. In another example, a cavity may be a solidmaterial (e.g., crystal, amorphous solid, to name a few) enclosed by itsown interior and exterior surfaces. Preferably, such a material fillingthe cavity is configured to allow electromagnetic wave signals to travelat a low loss. Exemplary geometrical shapes of a cavity include a cubiccavity, a rectangular shaped cavity, a tube cavity, a torus shapedcavity, a spherical cavity, a polyhedron cavity, a parallelogram shapedcavity, a prism shaped cavity and an egg-shaped cavity, to name a few.For example, arrays of apertures implementing angle multiplexing may belocated within a rectangular shaped chamber having a length of 100meters, a width of 30 meters and a height of 2 meters. In embodiments,arrays of apertures implementing angle multiplexing may be locatedwithin a sealed cavity substantially under a vacuum condition.

FIG. 1 shows a system 100 of three arrays with a first array havingthree apertures 111, 112 and 113, a second array having five apertures121, 122, 123, 124 and 125, and a third array having four apertures 131,132, 133 and 134, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 1schematically illustrates partial implementation of angle multiplexing,wherein an electromagnetic wave signal 101 may travel the followingpaths in accordance with the exemplary embodiment: Starting from thefirst aperture 111 in the first array, the electromagnetic wave signal101 travels sequentially to each of apertures 121, 122, 123, 124 and 125in the second array and back to the first aperture 111 in the firstarray. Once it has been to each of the apertures in the second array,the electromagnetic wave signal 101 then travels sequentially from thefirst aperture 111 in the first array to each of the apertures 131, 132,133 and 134 in the third array and back to the first aperture 111 in thefirst array. Once it has returned from the last aperture in the lastarray (e.g., aperture 134 in the third array) to the first aperture 111in the first array, the electromagnetic wave signal 101 may then be sentfrom the first aperture 111 to an adjacent aperture in the same array(e.g., second aperture 112 in the first array). From the second aperture112 in the first array, the electromagnetic wave signal 101 travelssequentially to each of apertures 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 131, 132, 133and 134 in the second and third arrays and back to the second aperture112 in the first array. To simplify the figure, only the travels by theelectromagnetic wave signal 101 up to and including the round-triptravel from aperture 112 to aperture 121 and back to aperture 112 areshown in FIG. 1 and subsequent travels by the electromagnetic wavesignal 101 are not shown in FIG. 1. Once it has returned from the lastaperture in the last array (e.g., aperture 134 in the third array) tothe second aperture 112 in the first array, the electromagnetic wavesignal 101 may then be sent from the aperture 112 to an adjacentaperture in the same array (e.g., third aperture 113). The analogousprocesses may be repeated until the electromagnetic wave signal 101returns from the last aperture in the last array (e.g., aperture 134 inthe third array) to the last aperture in the first array (e.g., aperture113).

In embodiments, the optical path for the electromagnetic wave signal 101may end at this point (e.g., the electromagnetic wave signal 101 isretrieved). In alternative embodiments, the electromagnetic wave signal101 may be sent from the last aperture 113 in the first array back tothe first aperture 111 in the first array and the entire processes maybe repeated all over again. In yet another alternative embodiment, theentire processes may be conducted in reverse order from this point bysending the electromagnetic wave signal 101 from the last aperture inthe first array (e.g., aperture 113) to the second to last aperture inthe first array (e.g., aperture 112) and then ultimately back to thefirst aperture 111 in the first array, from which the entire processesmay be repeated again in forward order. In yet another alternativeembodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal 101 may be sent from thelast aperture 113 in the first array to the first aperture 121 in thesecond array. Starting from the first aperture 121 in the second array,apertures in the second array may conduct processes that are analogousto the processes initially conducted by the apertures in the firstarray.

In embodiments, the electromagnetic wave signal may traverse all or someof the paths between different apertures and different arrays in anypre-determined, re-arranged, tunable, and/or reconfigurable manner thatis different from the exemplary processes described above with regard toFIG. 1 and below with regard to FIGS. 2-4. For example, in embodiments,once the electromagnetic wave signal has returned from the last aperturein the last array (e.g., aperture 134 in the third array in FIG. 1) tothe first aperture in the first array (e.g., aperture 111 in FIG. 1),the electromagnetic wave signal may then be sent from the first aperture(e.g., aperture 111) to any other aperture in the first array (e.g.,aperture 113 in FIG. 1). In alternative embodiments, the other apertureis adjacent the first aperture.

FIG. 2 shows a system 200 of three arrays with a first array havingthree apertures 211, 212 and 213, a second array having five apertures221, 222, 223, 224 and 225, and a third array having four apertures 231,232, 233 and 234, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2schematically illustrates partial implementation of angle multiplexing,wherein an electromagnetic wave signal 201 may travel the followingpaths in accordance with the exemplary embodiment: Starting from thefirst aperture 211 in the first array, the electromagnetic wave signal201 travels sequentially to each of apertures 221, 222, 223, 224 and 225in the second array and back to the first aperture 211 in the firstarray. Once it has been to each of the apertures in the second array,the electromagnetic wave signal 201 then travels sequentially from thefirst aperture 211 in the first array to each of first aperture throughsecond to last aperture 231, 232 and 233 in the third array and back tothe first aperture 211 in the first array. Once the electromagnetic wavesignal 201 has returned from the second to last aperture in the lastarray (e.g., aperture 233 in the third array) to the first aperture 211in the first array, the first aperture 211 in the first may then sendthe electromagnetic wave signal 201 to the last aperture in the lastarray (e.g., aperture 234 in the third array), which may then redirectthe electromagnetic wave signal 201 to an aperture in the first array(e.g., aperture 212) that is adjacent to the first aperture 211 in thefirst array. From the second aperture 212 in the first array, theelectromagnetic wave signal 201 travels sequentially to each ofapertures 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 231, 232 and 233 in the second andthird arrays and back to the second aperture 212 in the first array. Tosimplify the figure, only the travels by the electromagnetic wave signal201 up to and including the round-trip travel from aperture 212 toaperture 221 and back to aperture 212 are shown in FIG. 2 and subsequenttravels by the electromagnetic wave signal 201 are not shown in FIG. 2.Once the electromagnetic wave signal 201 has returned from the second tolast aperture in the last array (e.g., aperture 233 in the third array)to the second aperture 212 in the first array, the second aperture 212in the first array may send the electromagnetic wave signal 201 to thelast aperture in the last array (e.g., aperture 234 in the third array),which may then redirect the electromagnetic wave signal 201 to anaperture in the first array (e.g., aperture 213) that is adjacent to thesecond aperture 212 in the first array. The analogous processes may berepeated until the electromagnetic wave signal 201 is sent from the lastaperture in the first array (e.g., aperture 213) to the last aperture inthe last array (e.g., aperture 234).

In embodiments, the optical path for the electromagnetic wave signal 201may end at this point (e.g., the electromagnetic wave signal 201 isretrieved). In alternative embodiments, the electromagnetic wave signal201 may be sent from the last aperture in the last array (e.g., aperture234) back to the first aperture 211 in the first array and the entireprocesses may be repeated all over again. In yet other alternativeembodiments, the entire processes may be conducted in reverse order fromthis point by sending the electromagnetic wave signal 201 from the lastaperture in the last array (e.g., aperture 234 in the third array) tothe second to last aperture in the first array (e.g., aperture 212) andthen ultimately back to the first aperture 211 in the first array, fromwhich the entire processes may be repeated again in forward order. Inyet another alternative embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal 201may be sent from the last aperture in the last array (e.g., aperture234) to the first aperture 221 in the second array. Starting from thefirst aperture 221 in the second array, apertures in the second andthird arrays may conduct processes that are analogous to the processesinitially conducted by the apertures in the first and third arrays.

In embodiments, the electromagnetic wave signal may traverse all or someof the paths between different apertures and different arrays in anypre-determined, re-arranged, tunable, and/or reconfigurable manner thatis different from the exemplary processes described above with regard toFIG. 2. For example, in embodiments, when the electromagnetic wavesignal is returned from the last aperture in the last array (e.g.,aperture 234 in the third array in FIG. 2) to the first array, it may bereturned to any other aperture in the first array (e.g., aperture 213).In alternative embodiments, the other aperture is adjacent the firstaperture.

FIG. 3 shows a system 300 of three arrays with a first array havingthree apertures 311, 312 and 313, a second array having five apertures321, 322, 323, 324 and 325, and a third array having four apertures 331,332, 333 and 334, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3schematically illustrates partial implementation of angle multiplexing,wherein an electromagnetic wave signal 301 may travel the followingpaths in accordance with the exemplary embodiment: Starting from thefirst aperture 321 in the second array, the electromagnetic wave signal301 is initially sent to the first aperture 311 in the first array. Fromthe first aperture 311 in the first array, the electromagnetic wavesignal 301 then travels sequentially to each of the second aperturethrough the last aperture 322, 323, 324 and 325 in the second array andback to the first aperture 311 in the first array. The electromagneticwave signal 301 then travels sequentially from the first aperture 311 inthe first array to each of first aperture through second to lastaperture 331, 332 and 333 in the third array and back to the firstaperture 311 in the first array. Once the electromagnetic wave signal301 has returned from the second to last aperture in the last array(e.g., aperture 333 in the third array) to the first aperture 311 in thefirst array, the first aperture 311 in the first may then send theelectromagnetic wave signal 301 to the last aperture in the last array(e.g., aperture 334 in the third array), which may then redirect theelectromagnetic wave signal 301 to an aperture in the first array (e.g.,aperture 312) that is adjacent to the first aperture 311 in the firstarray. From the second aperture 312 in the first array, theelectromagnetic wave signal 301 travels sequentially to each ofapertures 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 331, 332 and 333 in the second andthird arrays and back to the second aperture 312 in the first array. Tosimplify the figure, only the travels by the electromagnetic wave signal301 up to and including the round-trip travel from aperture 312 toaperture 321 and back to aperture 312 are shown in FIG. 3 and subsequenttravels by the electromagnetic wave signal 301 are not shown in FIG. 2.Once the electromagnetic wave signal 301 has returned from the second tolast aperture in the last array (e.g., aperture 333 in the third array)to the second aperture 312 in the first array, the second aperture 312in the first array may send the electromagnetic wave signal 301 to thelast aperture in the last array (e.g., aperture 334 in the third array),which may then redirect the electromagnetic wave signal 301 to anaperture in the first array (e.g., aperture 313) that is adjacent to thesecond aperture 312 in the first array. The analogous processes may berepeated until the electromagnetic wave signal 301 is sent from the lastaperture in the first array (e.g., aperture 313) to the last aperture inthe last array (e.g., aperture 334).

In embodiments, the optical path for the electromagnetic wave signal 301may end at this point (e.g., the electromagnetic wave signal 301 isretrieved). In alternative embodiments, the electromagnetic wave signal301 may be sent from the last aperture in the last array (e.g., aperture334) back to the first aperture 311 in the first array and the entireprocesses may be repeated all over again, except that they will nowinclude a roundtrip travel from the first aperture 311 in the firstarray to the first aperture 321 in the second array and back to thefirst aperture 311 in the first array. In yet other alternativeembodiments, the entire processes may be conducted in reverse order fromthis point by sending the electromagnetic wave signal 301 from the lastaperture in the last array (e.g., aperture 334 in the third array) tothe second to last aperture in the first array (e.g., aperture 312) andthen ultimately back to the first aperture 311 in the first array, fromwhich the entire processes may be repeated again in forward order,except that they will now include a roundtrip travel from the firstaperture 311 in the first array to the first aperture 321 in the secondarray and back to the first aperture 311 in the first array. In yetanother alternative embodiment, the electromagnetic wave signal 301 maybe sent from the last aperture in the last array (e.g., aperture 334) tothe first aperture 321 in the second array. Starting from the firstaperture 321 in the second array, apertures in the second and thirdarrays may conduct processes that are analogous to the processesinitially conducted by the apertures in the first and third arrays.

In embodiments, the electromagnetic wave signal may traverse all or someof the paths between different apertures and different arrays in anypre-determined, re-arranged, tunable, and/or reconfigurable manner thatis different from the exemplary processes described above with regard toFIG. 3. For example, in embodiments, when the electromagnetic wavesignal is returned from the last aperture in the last array (e.g.,aperture 334 in the third array in FIG. 3) to the first array, it may bereturned to any other aperture in the first array (e.g., aperture 313).In alternative embodiments, the other aperture is adjacent the firstaperture.

In embodiments, angle multiplexing may be used alone or may be used incombination with other types of multiplexing methods, such as wavelengthdivision multiplexing, spatial mode multiplexing, to name a few, toexpand the data storage capacity for a recirculating loop. For example,angle multiplexing may be used in combination with multiple channels fordifferent wavelengths and multiple channels for different spatial modes(e.g., orbital angular modes (OAM)) at each wavelength.

Apertures that may be used to implement angle multiplexing include, butare not limited to, mirrors, gratings, such as diffraction gratings orvolume holographic gratings, corner cube retroreflectors, photoniccrystal structure, optical devices comprising gradient index materials,partial regenerators, full regenerators and any appropriate combinationsthereof, to name a few.

In embodiments, angle multiplexing may be implemented by using volumeholographic gratings (“VHGs”), which comprise optical elementsconfigured to perform more than one function. VHGs are diffractiveoptical elements consisting of a periodic phase, or absorptionperturbation, throughout the entire volume of the elements. When anincident electromagnetic wave beam satisfies the Bragg phase matchingcondition, it is diffracted by the periodic perturbation. For volumephase holograms, it is possible to diffract approximately 100% of theincoming reference light into the signal wave, i.e., full diffraction ofan electromagnetic wave beam can be achieved. This high deflectionpercentage makes VHGs particularly useful for angle multiplexing. ForVHGs, the incident electromagnetic wave beam is diffracted only when theBragg phase-matching condition is met. Hence, VHGs can be madetransparent to light coming from certain angles. Due to the limitedrange of wavelengths and angles over which diffraction occurs, it ispossible to have multiple VHGs inside the same volume that workindependently and without interfering with each other. For example, iftwo VHGs are recorded in the same device for two different Braggwavelengths at the same incidence angle, the device can diffract the twoselected wavelengths into different output directions with limitedcrosstalk. In embodiments, such features and capabilities of VHGs may beused in implementation of angle multiplexing.

In embodiments, angle multiplexing may be implemented by using anelectromagnetic wave signal having a single wavelength and usingapertures comprising, for example, a combination of corner cuberetroreflectors, reflecting surfaces and VHGs.

In embodiments, angle multiplexing may be implemented by anelectromagnetic wave signal comprising a plurality of signals eachhaving a different wavelength in a multi-wavelength system. In suchembodiments, a dispersion compensation device or method may be used. Thedispersion compensation device or method may be configured to directsubstantially all of the plurality of signals from one aperture toanother aperture such that the signals can all follow the same opticalpath between apertures simultaneously. According to the gratingequation, gratings direct to an angle proportional to the wavelength forsmall angle directing. Hence, a longer wavelength signal steers to alarger angle, while a shorter wavelength signal steers to a smallerangle. If angle multiplexing requires all the light to go from onespecific aperture to another specific aperture, the spread of light fromthe gratings based on the size of wavelength needs to be eliminated(e.g., dispersive effects need to be compensated). For example,dispersion compensation can be achieved by a multi-wavelength beamdirecting device using one or more achromatic Fourier transform lenses.Even though those lenses have variable focal length so that their focallength may change, they have a constant back focal distance so that theymay focus in the same spot.

In embodiments, angle multiplexing may be implemented by usingelectromagnetic wave signals having different wavelengths and allowingthem to be emitted from an aperture (e.g., dispersive elements) atdifferent angles and to take different optical paths in a recirculatingloop, as shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a partialimplementation of angle multiplexing with each of different wavelengthelectromagnetic wave signals traveling in a different path in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 4, electromagnetic wave signals403, 404, 405 having different wavelengths are emitted from continuousgratings 402 at different angles and are directed to different apertures401 on the opposite side. In embodiments, the apertures 401 on theopposite side may comprise continuous corner cube retroreflectors.

In embodiments, one or more amplifiers and/or regenerators may be usedto restore some or all aspects of the electromagnetic wave signal totheir original or previous conditions. In embodiments, additionaldevices configured to clean up the electromagnetic wave signal may alsobe used. An electromagnetic wave signal traveling in a system ofmultiple apertures may experience loss in intensity and amplitude,spreading of the signal and/or addition of noise and errors due to, forexample, multiple reflections at apertures, various dispersive andnonlinear effects, various scattering events and/or spontaneous emissionof light. Accordingly, the electromagnetic wave signal may need to beamplified and/or regenerated at various points in time or space whiletraveling between multiple apertures.

In embodiments, amplifiers and/or regenerators may be placed within someor all of apertures. In embodiments, amplifiers and/or regenerators maybe placed outside the apertures and along the electromagnetic wave beampath between the apertures. The amplifiers and/or regenerators areconfigured to restore the passing electromagnetic wave signal to itsoriginal or previous state and/or compensate for any degradation. Anamplifier may be any device configured to amplify an electromagneticwave signal. In embodiments, an amplifier may comprise crystals oroptical fibers. In embodiments, the crystals and optical fibers may bedoped by fluorescent elements. In embodiments, the optical fiber used inthe amplifier may include additional devices at the input to inject theelectromagnetic wave signal into the optical fiber, and other devices atthe output to restore the electromagnetic wave beam to its originalshape and size.

Full signal regeneration is typically called a “3R” process thatincludes signal retiming, reshaping, and reamplification (oramplification) of the signal. A regenerator may be configured to conductfull electromagnetic wave signal regeneration. Alternatively, theregenerator may be configured to restore only some aspects of theelectromagnetic wave signal by re-timing and/or re-shaping and/orre-amplification of the electromagnetic wave signal in part. Inembodiments, the regenerator may also be configured to implement errorcorrection to restore lost information or correct errors introduced intothe data in motion. The number of regenerators may depend on the numberand design of apertures, transmission medium through which theelectromagnetic wave signal travels, and/or performance of anglemultiplexing, and may span from none to a very large number.

Any apparatus configured to re-amplify, re-shape, and/or re-time theelectromagnetic wave signal in full or in part may be used to buildregenerators. Regenerators can be implemented in a number of ways. Inembodiments, the regenerator may be all-optical or optoelectronicregenerator, wherein the all-optical regenerator is configured toregenerate the electromagnetic wave signal all optically in the opticaldomain, while the optoelectronic regenerator is configured to convertsome, or all, of the electromagnetic wave signal to a correspondingelectrical signal in the electrical domain, regenerate the convertedelectrical signal electrically and convert the regenerated electricalsignal to a corresponding electromagnetic wave signal in the opticaldomain. In embodiments, the regenerator may comprise at least oneamplifier and at least one absorber. In embodiments, the regenerator maycomprise at least one amplifier configured to operate in a saturationregime. In embodiments, the regenerator may comprise a nonlinear filterconfigured to provide gain stabilization and reduce noise in theelectromagnetic wave signal. In embodiments, the regenerator maycomprise crystals or optical fibers. In embodiments, the regenerator maycomprise crystals or optical fibers doped by fluorescent elements. Inembodiments, the optical fiber used in the regenerator may compriseadditional devices at the input to inject the electromagnetic wavesignal into the optical fiber, and other devices at the output torestore the electromagnetic wave beam to its original shape and size.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with exemplaryembodiments outlined above and illustrated in the drawings, it isevident that the principles of the present invention may be implementedusing any number of techniques, whether currently known or not, and manyalternatives, modifications and variations in form and detail will beapparent to those skilled in the art. Modifications, additions, oromissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods describedherein without departing from the scope of the present invention. Forexample, the components of the systems and apparatuses may be integratedor separated. Furthermore, the operations of the systems and apparatusesdisclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other componentsand the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps.Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order.

As defined herein, electromagnetic waves include acoustic waves.Accordingly, storage in motion of information or any kind of data canalso be implemented using acoustic (i.e., sound) waves. Representativevalues for the speed of sound include about 1,500 m/sec in water, about330 m/sec in air, and about 6,000 m/sec in steel. (There are a range ofvelocities for each case.) In terms of frequency, sound waves can be inthe region of tens of MHz. For example, some medical ultrasound devicesoperate in the regions of tens of MHz. Usually, lower frequency soundalso has less attenuation over distance.

In this regard, if the wave signal carrying information or any kind ofdata in motion is an acoustic wave, the much lower speed of sound (ascompared to the speed of light) enables one to store a greater amount ofdata in motion without requiring a higher data rate at which the data isintroduced.

Information or any kind of data can be transmitted and/or reflectedbetween structures or within structures using acoustic waves in varioustransmission media (e.g., air and steel, to name a few). Embodiments ofstorage in motion using acoustic waves could be constructed using suchmedia. For steel, railroad tracks could be a long-distance medium.Acoustic waves can be generated using various sources of vibration,including crystal transducers and speakers, to name a few. Microphonesdetect acoustic waves. There is a significant base of acoustictechnology in sound systems, in systems to eliminate vibration, and insystems to measure vibration. This device technology can be utilized indeveloping storage in motion systems using acoustic waves in accordancewith the principles employed in the embodiments disclosed in the presentapplication.

Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forthabove, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting, and the spirit andscope of the present invention is to be construed broadly and limitedonly by the appended claims, and not by the foregoing specification.

In addition, unless otherwise specifically noted, articles depicted inthe drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for extending a path length of anelectromagnetic wave signal, the system comprising N arrays having M₁through M_(N) apertures, respectively, wherein: N≥2, M₁≥2, and each ofM₂ through M_(N)≥1; one or more apertures of the M₁ apertures in a firstarray is configured to send the electromagnetic wave signal to one ormore apertures of the M₂ apertures in a second array through the M_(N)apertures in a N-th array; the one or more apertures of the M₂ aperturesin the second array through the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array thatreceives the electromagnetic wave signal from the one or more aperturesof the M₁ apertures in the first array is configured to redirect thereceived electromagnetic wave signal back to the one or more aperturesof the M₁ apertures in the first array; and the electromagnetic wavesignal traverses all or some of the paths between the N arrays.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic wave signal traverses allor some of the paths between the N arrays in a reconfigurable manner. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more apertures of the M₁apertures in the first array is further configured to send theelectromagnetic wave signal to another aperture of the M₁ apertures inthe first array after receiving the redirected electromagnetic wavesignal from a M_(N)-th aperture in the N-th array.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein: the one or more apertures of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array comprises each one of the M₁ apertures; and the one or moreapertures of the M₂ apertures in the second array through the M_(N)apertures in the N-th array comprises each one of the M₂ apertures inthe second array through the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic wave signal comprises aplurality of signals each having a different wavelength in amulti-wavelength system.
 6. The system of claim 5, further comprising adispersion compensation device configured to direct substantially all ofthe plurality of signals from one aperture to another aperture.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6, wherein the dispersion compensation device comprisesa multi-wavelength beam directing device using an achromatic Fouriertransform lens.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the apertures in thefirst array and in at least one of the second array through the N-tharray comprise volume holographic gratings, corner cube retroreflectors,diffraction gratings, mirrors, partial regenerators, or fullregenerators.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein: the apertures in thefirst array are located in one or more sets of one or more satellites;and the apertures in at least one of the second array through the N-tharray are located in one or more sets of one or more satellites.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the apertures in the first array through theN-th array are located within a substantially sealed cavity.
 11. Asystem for extending a path length of an electromagnetic wave signal,the system comprising N arrays having M₁ through M_(N) apertures,respectively, wherein: N≥2, M₁≥2, and each of M₂ through M_(N≥)1; one ormore apertures of the M₁ apertures in a first array is configured tosend the electromagnetic wave signal to one or more apertures of the M₂apertures in a second array through the M_(N) apertures in a N-th array;the one or more apertures of a first aperture in the second arraythrough a (M_(N)−1)-th aperture in the N-th array, if M_(N)>2, andthrough a M_(N-1)-th aperture in the (N−1)-th array, if M_(N)=1, thatreceives the electromagnetic wave signal from the one or more aperturesof the M₁ apertures in the first array is configured to redirect thereceived electromagnetic wave signal back to the one or more aperturesof the M₁ apertures in the first array; and the electromagnetic wavesignal traverses all or some of the paths between the N arrays.
 12. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the electromagnetic wave signal traversesall or some of the paths between the N arrays in a reconfigurablemanner.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein a M_(N)-th aperture in theN-th array is configured to send the electromagnetic wave signal toanother aperture of the M₁ apertures in the first array after receivingthe electromagnetic wave signal from the one or more apertures of the M₁apertures in the first array.
 14. The system of claim 11, wherein: theone or more apertures of the M₁ apertures in the first array compriseseach one of the M₁ apertures; and the one or more apertures of the M₂apertures in the second array through the M_(N) apertures in the N-tharray comprises each one of the M₂ apertures in the second array throughthe M_(N) apertures in the N-th array.
 15. The system of claim 11,wherein the electromagnetic wave signal comprises a plurality of signalseach having a different wavelength in a multi-wavelength system.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15, further comprising a dispersion compensation deviceconfigured to direct substantially all of the plurality of signals fromone aperture to another aperture.
 17. The system of claim 16, whereinthe dispersion compensation device comprises a multi-wavelength beamdirecting device using an achromatic Fourier transform lens.
 18. Thesystem of claim 11, wherein the apertures in the first array and in atleast one of the second array through the N-th array comprise volumeholographic gratings, corner cube retroreflectors, diffraction gratings,mirrors, partial regenerators, or full regenerators.
 19. The system ofclaim 11, wherein: the apertures in the first array are located in oneor more sets of one or more satellites; and the apertures in at leastone of the second array through the N-th array are located in one ormore sets of one or more satellites.
 20. The system of claim 11, whereinthe apertures in the first array through the N-th array are locatedwithin a substantially sealed cavity.
 21. A system for extending a pathlength of an electromagnetic wave signal, the system comprising N arrayshaving M₁ through M_(N) apertures, respectively, wherein: N>2, M₁>2, andeach of M₂ through M_(N) >1; a first aperture in the second array isconfigured to send the electromagnetic wave signal to a first aperturein the first array; one or more apertures of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array is configured to send the electromagnetic wave signal to oneor more apertures of the M₂ apertures in the second array through theM_(N) apertures in a N-th array, except that the first aperture in thefirst array is configured not to send the electromagnetic wave signal tothe first aperture in the second array; the one or more apertures of thefirst aperture in the second array through a (M_(N)−1)-th aperture inthe N-th array, if M_(N)>2, and through a M_(N-1)-th aperture in the(N−1)-th array, if M_(N)=1, that receives the electromagnetic wavesignal from the one or more apertures of the M₁ apertures in the firstarray is configured to redirect the received electromagnetic wave signalback to the one or more apertures of the M₁ apertures in the firstarray; and the electromagnetic wave signal traverses all or some of thepaths between the N arrays.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein theelectromagnetic wave signal traverses all or some of the paths betweenthe N arrays in a reconfigurable manner.
 23. The system of claim 21,wherein a M_(N)-th aperture in the N-th array is configured to send theelectromagnetic wave signal to another aperture of the M₁ apertures inthe first array after receiving the electromagnetic wave signal from theone or more apertures of the M₁ apertures in the first array.
 24. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein: the one or more apertures of the M₁apertures in the first array comprises each one of the M₁ apertures; andthe one or more apertures of the M₂ apertures in a second array throughthe M_(N) apertures in a N-th array comprises each one of the M₂apertures in the second array through the MN apertures in the N-tharray.
 25. The system of claim 21, wherein the electromagnetic wavesignal comprises a plurality of signals each having a differentwavelength in a multi-wavelength system.
 26. The system of claim 25,further comprising a dispersion compensation device configured to directsubstantially all of the plurality of signals from one aperture toanother aperture.
 27. The system of claim 26, wherein the dispersioncompensation device comprises a multi-wavelength beam directing deviceusing an achromatic Fourier transform lens.
 28. The system of claim 21,wherein the apertures in the first array and in at least one of thesecond array through the N-th array comprise volume holographicgratings, corner cube retroreflectors, diffraction gratings, mirrors,partial regenerators, or full regenerators.
 29. The system of claim 21,wherein: the apertures in the first array are located in one or moresets of one or more satellites; and the apertures in at least one of thesecond array through the N-th array are located in one or more sets ofone or more satellites.
 30. The system of claim 21, wherein theapertures in the first array through the N-th array are located within asubstantially sealed cavity.
 31. A method for extending a path length ofan electromagnetic wave signal traversing between N arrays having M₁through M_(N) apertures, respectively, wherein N>2, M₁>2, and each of M₂through M_(N)>1, the method comprising: sending, by one or moreapertures of the M₁ apertures in a first array, the electromagnetic wavesignal to one or more apertures of the M₂ apertures in a second arraythrough the M_(N) apertures in a N-th array; receiving, by the one ormore apertures of the M₂ apertures in the second array through the M_(N)apertures in the N-th array, the electromagnetic wave signal from theone or more apertures of the M₁ apertures in the first array;redirecting, by the one or more apertures of the M₂ apertures in thesecond array through the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array, the receivedelectromagnetic wave signal back to the one or more apertures of the M₁apertures in the first array; and the electromagnetic wave signaltraversing all or some of the paths between the N arrays.
 32. The methodof claim 31, comprising the electromagnetic wave signal traversing allor some of the paths between the N arrays in a reconfigurable manner.33. The method of claim 31, further comprising after receiving, by theone or more apertures of the M₁ apertures in the first array, theredirected electromagnetic wave signal from a M_(N)-th aperture in theN-th array, sending, by the one or more apertures of the M₁ apertures inthe first array, the electromagnetic wave signal to another one of theM₁ apertures in the first array.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein:the one or more apertures of the M₁ apertures in the first arraycomprises each one of the M₁ apertures; and the one or more apertures ofthe M₂ apertures in the second array through the M_(N) apertures in theN-th array comprises each one of the M₂ apertures in the second arraythrough the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array.
 35. The method of claim31, wherein the electromagnetic wave signal comprises a plurality ofsignals each having a different wavelength in a multi-wavelength system.36. The method of claim 35, further comprising directing, by using adispersion compensation device, substantially all of the plurality ofsignals from one aperture to another aperture.
 37. The method of claim36, wherein the dispersion compensation device comprises amulti-wavelength beam directing device using an achromatic Fouriertransform lens.
 38. The method of claim 31, wherein the apertures in thefirst array and in at least one of the second array through the N-tharray comprise volume holographic gratings, corner cube retroreflectors,diffraction gratings, mirrors, partial regenerators, or fullregenerators.
 39. The method of claim 31, wherein: the apertures in thefirst array are located in one or more sets of one or more satellites;and the apertures in at least one of the second array through the N-tharray are located in one or more sets of one or more satellites.
 40. Themethod of claim 31, wherein the apertures in the first array through theN-th array are located within a substantially sealed cavity.
 41. Amethod for extending a path length of an electromagnetic wave signaltraversing between N arrays having M₁ through M_(N) apertures,respectively, wherein N>2, M₁>2, and each of M₂ through M_(N)>1, themethod comprising: sending, by one or more apertures of the M₁ aperturesin a first array, the electromagnetic wave signal to one or moreapertures of the M₂ apertures in a second array through the M_(N)apertures in a N-th array; receiving, by the one or more apertures of afirst aperture in the second array through a (M_(N)−1)-th aperture inthe N-th array, if M_(N)>2, and through a M_(N-1)-th aperture in the(N−1)-th array, if M_(N)=1, the electromagnetic wave signal from the oneor more apertures of the M₁ apertures in the first array; redirecting,by the one or more apertures of the first aperture in the second arraythrough the (M_(N)−1)-th aperture in the N-th array, if M_(N)>2, andthrough the M_(N-1)-th aperture in the (N−1)-th array, if M_(N)=1, thereceived electromagnetic wave signal back to the one or more aperturesof the M₁ apertures in the first array; and the electromagnetic wavesignal traversing all or some of the paths between the N arrays.
 42. Themethod of claim 41, comprising the electromagnetic wave signaltraversing all or some of the paths between the N arrays in areconfigurable manner.
 43. The method of claim 41, comprising afterreceiving, by a M_(N)-th aperture in the N-th array, the electromagneticwave signal from the one or more apertures of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array, sending, by the M_(N)-th aperture in the N-th array, theelectromagnetic wave signal to another aperture of the M₁ apertures inthe first array.
 44. The method of claim 41, wherein: the one or moreapertures of the M₁ apertures in the first array comprises each one ofthe M₁ apertures; and the one or more apertures of the M₂ apertures inthe second array through the M_(N) apertures in the N-th array compriseseach one of the M₂ apertures in the second array through the M_(N)apertures in the N-th array.
 45. The method of claim 41, wherein theelectromagnetic wave signal comprises a plurality of signals each havinga different wavelength in a multi-wavelength system.
 46. The method ofclaim 45, further comprising directing, by using a dispersioncompensation device, substantially all of the plurality of signals fromone aperture to another aperture.
 47. The method of claim 46, whereinthe dispersion compensation device comprises a multi-wavelength beamdirecting device using an achromatic Fourier transform lens.
 48. Themethod of claim 41, wherein the apertures in the first array and in atleast one of the second array through the N-th array comprise volumeholographic gratings, corner cube retroreflectors, diffraction gratings,mirrors, partial regenerators, or full regenerators.
 49. The method ofclaim 41, wherein: the apertures in the first array are located in oneor more sets of one or more satellites; and the apertures in at leastone of the second array through the N-th array are located in one ormore sets of one or more satellites.
 50. The method of claim 41, whereinthe apertures in the first array through the N-th array are locatedwithin a substantially sealed cavity.
 51. A method for extending a pathlength of an electromagnetic wave signal traversing between N arrayshaving M₁ through M_(N) apertures, respectively, wherein N>2, M₁>2, andeach of M₂ through M_(N)>1, the method comprising: sending, by a firstaperture in the second array, the electromagnetic wave signal to a firstaperture in the first array; sending, by one or more apertures of the M₁apertures in the first array, the electromagnetic wave signal to one ormore apertures of the M₂ apertures in the second array through the M_(N)apertures in a N-th array, except that the first aperture in the firstarray does not send the electromagnetic wave signal to the firstaperture in the second array; receiving, by the one or more apertures ofthe first aperture in the second array through a (M_(N)−1)-th aperturein the N-th array, if M_(N)>2, and through a M_(N-1)-th aperture in the(N−1)-th array, if M_(N)=1, the electromagnetic wave signal from the oneor more apertures of the M₁ apertures in the first array, except thatthe first aperture in the second array does not receive theelectromagnetic wave signal from the first aperture in the first array;redirecting, by the one or more apertures of the first aperture in thesecond array through the (M_(N)−1)-th aperture in the N-th array, ifM_(N)>2, and through the M_(N-1)-th aperture in the (N−1)-th array, ifM_(N)=1, the received electromagnetic wave signal back to the one ormore apertures of the M₁ apertures in the first array; and theelectromagnetic wave signal traversing all or some of the paths betweenthe N arrays.
 52. The method of claim 51, comprising the electromagneticwave signal traversing all or some of the paths between the N arrays ina reconfigurable manner.
 53. The method of claim 51, comprising afterreceiving, by a M_(N)-th aperture in the N-th array, the electromagneticwave signal from the one or more apertures of the M₁ apertures in thefirst array, sending, by the M_(N)-th aperture in the N-th array, theelectromagnetic wave signal to another aperture of the M₁ apertures inthe first array.
 54. The method of claim 51, wherein: the one or moreapertures of the M₁ apertures in the first array comprises each one ofthe M₁ apertures; and the one or more apertures of the M₂ apertures in asecond array through the M_(N) apertures in a N-th array comprises eachone of the M₂ apertures in the second array through the M_(N) aperturesin the N-th array.
 55. The method of claim 51, wherein theelectromagnetic wave signal comprises a plurality of signals each havinga different wavelength in a multi-wavelength system.
 56. The method ofclaim 55, further comprising directing, by using a dispersioncompensation device, substantially all of the plurality of signals fromone aperture to another aperture.
 57. The method of claim 56, whereinthe dispersion compensation device comprises a multi-wavelength beamdirecting device using an achromatic Fourier transform lens.
 58. Themethod of claim 51, wherein the apertures in the first array and in atleast one of the second array through the N-th array comprise volumeholographic gratings, corner cube retroreflectors, diffraction gratings,mirrors, partial regenerators, or full regenerators.
 59. The method ofclaim 51, wherein: the apertures in the first array are located in oneor more sets of one or more satellites; and the apertures in at leastone of the second array through the N-th array are located in one ormore sets of one or more satellites.
 60. The method of claim 51, whereinthe apertures in the first array through the N-th array are locatedwithin a substantially sealed cavity.